Joshua 2:11

Authorized King James Version

And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַנִּשְׁמַע֙

H8085

And as soon as we had heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

וַיִּמַּ֣ס

H4549

did melt

to liquefy; figuratively, to waste (with disease), to faint (with fatigue, fear or grief)

לְבָבֵ֔נוּ

H3824

these things our hearts

the heart (as the most interior organ)

וְלֹא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

קָ֨מָה

H6965

neither did there remain

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

ע֥וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

ר֛וּחַ

H7307

any more courage

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

בְּאִ֖ישׁ

H376

in any man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

מִפְּנֵיכֶ֑ם

H6440

because

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

#10

כִּ֚י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#11

יְהוָ֣ה

H3068

of you for the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

#12

אֱלֹהִים֙

H430

he is God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#13

ה֤וּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#14

אֱלֹהִים֙

H430

he is God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#15

בַּשָּׁמַ֣יִם

H8064

in heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

#16

מִמַּ֔עַל

H4605

above

properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc

#17

וְעַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#18

הָאָ֖רֶץ

H776

and in earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#19

מִתָּֽחַת׃

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

Analysis

Within the broader context of Joshua, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Joshua.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Joshua chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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